Topic 14273 | Page 1

well folks I made into the trucking biz,went two weeks out with my trainer [o/o]drove a kw t680 10spd logged almost 8 full days bell to bell all over FL on a home depot acct things were looking good until I had to sleep while the trucks rollin down I75@70*mph then drive all day trying not to get the sleepy nod did not feel safe the last time it happen,first was 3 hrs sleep then drove from GA to Miami and back was not gonna happen again got of truck called my liaison now home wondering what next maybe local? filled out app with ccc any thouhts .....anyone

I don't know what companies hire from your area so maybe your choices are limited, but i know there are companies where your trainer is awake while you're driving, then you both sleep at the same time. I work for Schneider and the trainer is required to be in the passenger seat paying attention the entire time.

I put in for a leave of absence plan on talking to werner [my employer ] on mon to try and figure this out did not realize being thrown around like a rag doll then having to drive is reallywhat i'm looking for ,,,that's all i'm trying to say sir old school,i love the driving,backing in crazy tight spots learned something new each day just can't figure out how to sleep while bouncing I mean moving down the road

Ken, I'm totally confused!

Your comments sound to me like you figured out a way to get out of the trucking business. Am I understanding you correctly? You quit - got off your trainer's truck, and now you're looking for advice.

Oh friend, if I'm reading you correctly, you didn't make it in - you got out.

Hi Ken, sorry to hear it. I've heard it can take a little getting used to. Hey, is the trainer asking you to try and sleep in the top bunk while driving. I'm sure that's pretty tough to do and a rough as all heck ride up there. I also hear it may not be advised or even legal. Especially if there isn't some type of restraint to keep you held into the bunk in case of an emergency.

Maybe one of the more experienced guys / gals can chime in on this. Is it legal to even sleep in the top bunk while someone else is driving? Seems like a pretty big safety hazard to me.

With Werner, the first couple of weeks training the trainer is supposed to observe you. After that you move to a team style for a few weeks. Once you are done training, the only way you would have to sleep in a moving truck is if you go teams. If you are still there is no-one to drive while you sleep. So if that is your problem, just try and get past the training and you'll be fine.

I too believe the top bunk is illegal. Think about low clearances. You should request a different trainer; it is not uncommon to do so. Also realize if you bail on Werner they will likely make a comment in your DAC. Think carefully. The training is the hardest part.

DAC:

Drive-A-Check Report

A truck drivers DAC report will contain detailed information about their job history of the last 10 years as a CDL driver (as required by the DOT).

It may also contain your criminal history, drug test results, DOT infractions and accident history. The program is strictly voluntary from a company standpoint, but most of the medium-to-large carriers will participate.

Most trucking companies use DAC reports as part of their hiring and background check process. It is extremely important that drivers verify that the information contained in it is correct, and have it fixed if it's not.

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